Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the state government is preparing to launch a scheme to provide financial assistance to warkaris—devotees who undertake the annual walking pilgrimage to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. The initiative is aimed at easing the challenges faced by these pilgrims and upholding the centuries-old spiritual tradition.
In a significant move to support the wari journey, the proposed scheme will offer monetary aid to Goan pilgrims, ensuring they have the resources needed during the physically demanding pilgrimage.
Beyond financial support, CM Sawant also revealed plans to request the Maharashtra government for a land allotment in Pandharpur to construct a dedicated rest facility for Goan pilgrims. The proposed "Warkari Bhavan" will serve as a shelter and resting place, offering accommodation and basic amenities to the devotees from Goa.
The Goa government has already written to Maharashtra authorities, formally seeking land for this purpose. The initiative has gained support from multiple MLAs, reflecting broad political backing for preserving and facilitating the revered wari tradition.
Through this dual effort—financial aid and the establishment of infrastructure in Pandharpur—the Goa government aims to provide both material and logistical support to warkaris, reaffirming its commitment to religious and cultural traditions while also promoting interstate cooperation.